Israeli Reservists Demand Yoaz Hendel as National Security Minister in Next Government

Yoaz Hendel and Hili Trooper, leaders of the "Zionist Home-Reservists" party, launched their campaign for the 26th Knesset elections, declaring that Hendel must be appointed National Security Minister in the next government. At the event, Trooper criticized the current government's lack of governance, emphasizing the need to prioritize personal security over social media popularity. He addressed reservists and the religious Zionist community, presenting their party as a political home for hardworking Israelis dedicated to the country's defense.

Hendel highlighted the heavy price paid by reservists and their families, sharing the story of a Golani Brigade soldier suffering from combat stress as an example of thousands owed by the state. He condemned the government's budget priorities, accusing it of attempting to fund institutions encouraging draft evasion, a move halted by the Supreme Court. Hendel also criticized former Likud colleagues and Minister Bezalel Smotrich for favoring the ultra-Orthodox sector over those serving in the military.

Hendel stressed that Israel cannot operate like the United Nations on the issue of military conscription or send aid to Hamas after declaring its destruction, all while leaving the army under-resourced. He pledged to strengthen settlements in the Negev, Galilee, Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, focusing on restoring state sovereignty. Hendel described the National Security Ministry as Israel's "eighth front," where the country currently suffers losses, and vowed to revolutionize the ministry. He called for a reality where rights come with obligations, insisting every citizen must contribute to the state through military or national service.